Thursday, 26 September

10:00 – 12:30 The Climate Emergency – From Words to ActionOn 28 November 2018, the EU-Commission presented its strategic long-term vision for a climate-neutral economy by 2050. At the national level, governments must draw up action plans, and at the local level, municipalities are already implementing many measures.

Sirpa Hertell – Member of the Commission for Environment, Climate change and Energy, European Committee of the Regions & Councillor in the Espoo City CouncilTine Heyse– Climate Alliance President & Mayor for Environment, Climate, Energy and North-South of the City of GhentJohn Tanner– Climate Alliance Board Member & Councillor in the Oxford City CouncilJessica Suplie– German Federal Ministry of the Environment (tbc)Maria-Louise Rönnmark– Union of the Baltic Cities (tbc)

Setting the Scene – Plenary DiscussionThe session presents the current state of climate strategy and action. Representatives of various levels of government will share their perspectives and reflect on the role of sub-national governments in shaping major climate policy trends of the day.

11:00 – 11:30 Grab a coffee

Interactive Climate Policy SessionsTaking the input gleaned from the plenary before, these interactive parallel sessions will give participants the chance to delve deeper into topics of major relevance to climate policy. Climate Alliance’s driving principles as well as the transformative power of city networks and their ability to link political levels will be recurring themes.

Wrap-up – Expert Policy DiscussionBuilding on the morning’s panel and interactive sessions, this plenary discussion call on experts to reflect on main insights and outcomes with a look to next steps.

Friday, 27 September

Moderation: Marcus Andreas

08:00 – 09:00 Registration

09:00 – 09:30 Wake-Up Call and Review

José Francisco Cali Tzay – Guatemalan Ambassador to Germany (tbc)

09:30 – 11:00 Parallel Workshops

Joint Efforts on the Local Mobility Transition(EN | DE) In the light of rising emissions and the call for the reallocation of urban space, the mobility transition has become a pressing issue on local agendas. Which approaches work best in large cities and which are appropriate for small towns? How do we encourage people to choose sustainable transport options? Discuss best practice solutions with us, from low-threshold campaigns to large planning innovations.

Collaborative Action for Climate JusticeMunicipalities throughout Europe have embarked on climate partnerships and are supporting local climate justice initiatives. Indigenous communities on the other side of the world are also doing their part to curb climate change. Whether municipalities in Europe or indigenous territories in Amazonia, we need both the regional and local levels to reach Agenda 2030 and Paris Agreement goals. Learn about tools to support your city and develop strategies to perpetuate activities that promote climate justice.

Rethinking Districts – From Buildings to Energy to Transport (EN | DE) Climate action on the district level is becoming a popular approach to local climate policy, but municipalities are often unsure of how to develop and implement such concepts. Learn about Climate Alliance’s recommendations on district climate concepts and be inspired by best practice examples in the building, energy and transport sectors.

Citizen and Community Participation for Climate Change Adaptation(EN | DE)Understanding how best to engage the public in climate change adaption is a key challenge for many local authorities. True engagement goes beyond mere awareness raising, it entails consulting citizens via participatory processes while also promoting and cooperating with citizen initiatives. Learn about creative methods and tools to reach these goals and discuss how best to engage hard-to-reach target groups.

11:30 – 12:30 Guided Thematic ToursIn these interactive sessions, we offer you the opportunity for direct exchange on a particular topic in two parts. Each session will take you to two locations where specific questions on one part of the main topic at hand will be discussed. Experienced “tour guides” will introduce the theme and accompany you during the trip.

Towards a Local Mobility Transition(EN | DE) With rising emissions and the need to reallocate urban space, the mobility transition has become an urgent issue on the local agenda. Follow us on a tour of measures that have already been implemented or are currently planned, both small and large, and exchange with peers.

Partnering up for Climate JusticePartnerships with communities of the global south bring new perspectives and novel ideas while supporting global climate action. Discuss how to enliven such partnerships and hear directly from indigenous partners on human rights, forest defence, current (political) developments and local energy strategies.

Bottom-up Strategies – From Buildings to Energy Communities(EN) More than 40% of all primary energy consumption in the EU can be attributed to buildings. Increased building energy performance is thus crucial, as is sustainable energy production. In inspiring examples of bottom-up climate action, engaged citizens are establishing energy communities and regaining control over their energy. Join us as we delve into fascinating examples and approaches.

Andrea Dornhöfer – Energy Agency, City of WeizBrice Mertz – fesa e.V.

12:30 – 13:00 Lessons Learned and Future Perspectives

13:00 – 14:00 Grab some lunch and network

14:00 – 17:00 Local Excursions

Stadtwerke Rostock - Public Utility and Energy Supplier (DE)This municipal company generates district heating and electricity in a gas and steam turbine power plant. Come along on a guided tour of the power plant and the central control centre.

Nordwasser - Water and Wastewater Service Provider (EN)Rostock's sewage treatment plant converts sewage gases into electricity and heat by means of combined heat and power. Learn about this as well as plans for sewage sludge incineration with decentralised pre-drying.

Climate Perspectives - Regional Art Competition (DE)The State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's climate protection art competition - help judge the contenders and take a look at an exhibition full of art.

Onshore Power for Rostock's Harbour (EN)Visit a power plant in Rostock's fishing harbour and learn more about plans for supplying cruise ships with onshore power.

Local Tram Depot (DE)Visit the tram depot and get information on Rostock's public transport timetable concept and vehicle fleet.

NORDEX Wind TurbineProduction Facility (DE)Visit a wind turbine production facility and get to know their whole product range.

Hydrogen Filling Station (DE)Discover Rostock's first hydrogen filling station and see a range of hydrogen vehicles.

WIRO - Living in Rostock (DE) - fully booked -Learn about Rostock's municipal housing company has become a climate protector with ice storage and geothermal energy for heat supply, PV systems for electricity generation and car sharing.

Forests in a Changing Climate (DE) - ends at 17:30 -Effects and requirements due to climate change using the example of the Rostocker Heide, an FSC-certified city forest with an area of 6,000 ha. Forest as a CO2 reservoir and energy source, sensible cascade use of wood - What effects does climate change have and what strategies can be used to counter this in order to reduce the risk of massive damage?